Vodafone Idea Rolls Out Alternate Digital KYC Process Nationally; Jio Seeks Some More Time

Large telecom operators including Vodafone Idea Ltd and Bharti Airtel have begun rolling out an ‘alternate digital KYC process’ for new connections, which will replace the Aadhaar-based electronic verification process. Reliance Jio sources indicated that the operator has a plan on alternate digital KYC and will roll it out soon. However, it is not immediately clear if telecom service providers are, for now, continuing Aadhaar eKYC for verification of new subscribers.

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In the wake of the recent Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar, the Telecom Department had, last week, issued detailed instructions to telcos on stopping the use of Aadhaar-based electronic-know your customer (e-KYC) and had asked them to report compliance by November 5. But operators, subsequently, approached the government requesting that they be allowed to continue with the Aadhaar-based eKYC process till November 20, while they implement the new digital process.

Sources in the Bharti Airtel told PTI that the alternate digital KYC process has begun in select circles including Delhi, UP (East) and UP (West) and will be extended to other locations in the coming days. The official who did not wish to be named said the new digital KYC process entails scanning of the proof of address and identity, embedding live customer photo and online customer acquisition form, and that the entire process will be digital.

The official further pointed out that the company will be phasing out the eKYC process, as the digital KYC system is rolled out to new locations, and stablises. An email sent to Bharti Airtel in this regard remained unanswered.

Vodafone Idea, in a statement, confirmed its new digital KYC process is live and is being rolled out nationally, and added that the DoT instructions allow for provisional roll out of digital KYC.

Reliance Jio did not respond to an e-mail query, but sources indicated that for alternate digital KYC process, the company has a plan in place and will start rolling it out soon.